Mark 16:20

KJV

And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with [them], and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} they {G1565} went forth {G1831}, and preached {G2784} every where {G3837}, the Lord {G2962} working with {G4903} them, and {G2532} confirming {G950} the word {G3056} with {G1223} signs {G4592} following {G1872}. Amen {G281}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And they went out and proclaimed everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the message by the accompanying signs.

Berean Standard Bible

And they went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked through them, confirming His word by the signs that accompanied it.

American Standard Version

And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word by the signs that followed. Amen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 16:20 concludes the "longer ending" of Mark's Gospel by powerfully summarizing the immediate and widespread ministry of Jesus' disciples. It highlights their faithful obedience in proclaiming the Gospel universally, underscored by the active, divine partnership of the Lord Himself, who supernaturally confirmed their message with accompanying signs and wonders, validating the truth of the word they preached.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding statement of the "longer ending" of the Gospel of Mark (verses 9-20). It immediately follows Jesus' post-resurrection appearances and His definitive commission to His disciples to "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" [Mark 16:15](/mark/16-15 "Mark 16:15 - The Great Commission"). Thus, Mark 16:20 acts as a concise narrative summary, demonstrating the disciples' immediate and faithful response to this monumental directive. It shifts from Jesus' direct instructions to the disciples' active implementation, showing the initial, Spirit-empowered thrust of the early church's evangelistic mission, thereby providing a satisfying narrative closure to Mark's account of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for the events described in Mark 16:20 is the nascent period of the early Christian church, immediately following Jesus' ascension. This era was characterized by the apostles' initial evangelistic efforts, first in Jerusalem and Judea, and then expanding outwards, as detailed in the book of Acts. In the ancient world, particularly within Jewish and Greco-Roman cultures, the authentication of a messenger or a message often involved accompanying signs or wonders. Miracles served not merely as spectacles but as divine attestations, validating the authority of the one speaking and the truthfulness of their message. The disciples, initially a small group, faced significant cultural and religious opposition, making the divine confirmation through "signs following" crucial for establishing the credibility and divine origin of the Gospel they proclaimed.

* **Key Themes:** Mark 16:20 encapsulates several profound themes central to the Christian faith and the mission of the church. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Obedience to the Great Commission**, as the disciples "went forth, and preached every where," fulfilling Jesus' command to spread the Gospel universally, laying the groundwork for the global expansion of Christianity. Secondly, it highlights the indispensable theme of **Divine Partnership and Empowerment in Ministry**. The phrase "the Lord working with [them]" reveals that the effectiveness and success of their proclamation were not solely due to human effort or eloquence but were a direct result of God's active presence and power empowering their work. This divine enabling is a recurring motif for effective ministry, echoing Jesus' promise to be with His disciples always, even to the end of the age, as seen in [Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - Jesus' Promise of Presence"). Finally, the verse emphasizes the theme of **Divine Confirmation and Validation of the Word**. The "signs following" served as tangible, supernatural evidence, authenticating the spoken Gospel message and the authority of those proclaiming it, thereby giving undeniable credibility to their mission in the eyes of the hearers, a truth also articulated in [Hebrews 2:4](/hebrews/2-4 "Hebrews 2:4 - God Bearing Witness with Signs").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **preached (Greek, _kērýssō'_):** This verb signifies "to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)." It implies a public, authoritative, and urgent proclamation, not merely a quiet discussion. The disciples were not just sharing opinions; they were authoritatively announcing a message from God, much like a herald declares a king's decree. This word underscores the public and authoritative nature of their evangelistic task.
* **working with (Greek, _synergéō'_):** Derived from which we get "synergy," this term means "to be a fellow-worker, i.e., co-operate." It vividly portrays a collaborative effort where the Lord is not merely observing but actively participating and contributing to the disciples' ministry. This highlights the divine-human partnership inherent in the spread of the Gospel, where human effort is empowered and made effective by God's active involvement.
* **confirming (Greek, _bebaióō'_):** This verb means "to stabilitate (figuratively)," "to establish," or "to render sure." It indicates that the signs were not random occurrences but purposeful acts of God designed to firmly establish, validate, and authenticate the truth and authority of the preached word. The signs served as irrefutable proof, making the message firm and beyond doubt.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they went forth, and preached every where":** This clause describes the disciples' immediate and expansive obedience to the Great Commission. "Went forth" implies a purposeful departure from their previous location (likely Jerusalem) and a proactive engagement with the world. "Preached every where" emphasizes the universal scope of their mission, indicating that their proclamation of the Gospel was not confined to a single locality but was intended for all peoples and places. This highlights the foundational commitment of the early church to global evangelism.
* **"the Lord working with [them]":** This is the pivotal phrase revealing the source of the disciples' effectiveness. It signifies a divine partnership where Jesus, now ascended, actively collaborates with and empowers His followers. Their ministry was not a purely human endeavor; it was divinely enabled and sustained. This underscores the theological truth that true spiritual impact is always a result of God's active presence and power operating through His servants.
* **"and confirming the word with signs following":** This clause explains *how* the Lord worked with them. The "signs" (Greek: _sēmeîon_, meaning "an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally," a "miracle," "sign," or "wonder") were supernatural manifestations that served as divine authentication of the spoken Gospel message. These miracles were not ends in themselves but were purposeful demonstrations of God's power, validating the truth of the "word" (the Gospel message) preached by the disciples and establishing their divine authority. The phrase "signs following" indicates that these confirmations accompanied or ensued from their preaching.
* **"Amen.":** This concluding word, of Hebrew origin, means "firm" or "trustworthy," and functions as an affirmation or "so be it." In this context, it serves as a powerful declaration of the absolute truth, certainty, and divine authority of the preceding statement. It seals the narrative, confirming the veracity of the disciples' mission and the Lord's active role in it.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 16:20 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. Firstly, it functions as a **Narrative Summary**, condensing a significant period of the early church's initial evangelistic activity into a single, concise statement. This allows the Gospel to conclude with a sense of fulfilled purpose and ongoing mission. Secondly, the phrase "the Lord working with [them]" exemplifies **Divine Agency**, emphasizing that the success of the disciples' ministry was not merely human effort but a direct result of God's active involvement and empowerment. This highlights the theological truth that God is the primary actor in the spread of His kingdom. Thirdly, there is a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship established: the disciples "went forth, and preached" (cause), and the Lord responded by "confirming the word with signs following" (effect). This illustrates the divine validation that accompanies faithful proclamation. Finally, the concluding "Amen" acts as an **Affirmation** or **Doxological Seal**, lending an air of finality, certainty, and divine approval to the entire account of Jesus' life and the subsequent mission of His followers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 16:20 offers profound theological insights that extend beyond its immediate historical context. It establishes the enduring pattern of Christian mission: human obedience in proclamation coupled with divine empowerment and validation. The "word" preached by the disciples is not merely human philosophy but God's truth, and its power is not derived from human eloquence but from the Lord's active presence. This dynamic partnership ensures that the Gospel message remains effective across generations, transforming lives not by persuasive words alone but by the demonstration of God's Spirit and power. While the specific manifestations of "signs following" may vary, the principle remains that God continues to confirm His word and His workers, whether through transformed lives, spiritual conviction, or answers to prayer, testifying to the living reality of the resurrected Christ and the power of His message.

* [Acts 4:29-31](/acts/4-29-31 "Boldness and Signs")
* [1 Corinthians 2:4-5](/1_corinthians/2-4-5 "Paul's Preaching in Power")
* [Hebrews 2:3-4](/hebrews/2-3-4 "God's Testimony to Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 16:20 provides a timeless blueprint for Christian life and ministry. It challenges believers to embrace the call to evangelism ("went forth, and preached every where") not as an optional activity, but as a fundamental response to Christ's commission. This means actively seeking opportunities to share the Gospel in our spheres of influence, whether locally in our communities or by supporting global missions. Crucially, the verse reminds us that our effectiveness is not rooted in our own abilities or resources, but in the divine partnership: "the Lord working with [them]." This calls us to a posture of humility and dependence, recognizing that true spiritual impact flows from God's empowering presence and enabling grace. Our efforts, however diligent, are merely instruments in His hands. Furthermore, the expectation of "confirming the word with signs following" encourages us to anticipate and pray for God's active demonstration of His power. While the specific forms of divine confirmation may differ across contexts and eras, God still validates His truth through transformed lives, spiritual conviction, answered prayers, and other tangible evidences of His kingdom. This verse inspires us to preach boldly, trust fully in God's co-working presence, and expect His supernatural confirmation, knowing that the "Amen" at the end of Mark's Gospel is a resounding affirmation of His faithfulness to His word and His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Mark 16:20 challenge my understanding of evangelism and my personal role in spreading the Gospel?**
* **In what specific ways can I more intentionally rely on "the Lord working with" me in my daily life and ministry efforts?**
* **What "signs" or confirmations of God's word do I currently observe, and how can I cultivate a greater expectation for His ongoing work in and through me?**

### FAQ

**Is the "longer ending" of Mark (16:9-20) considered authentic scripture?**

Answer: The "longer ending" of Mark (Mark 16:9-20), which includes verse 20, has been a subject of scholarly debate due to its absence in some of the earliest and most reliable Greek manuscripts, such as Codex Vaticanus and Codex Sinaiticus. Other manuscripts offer a "shorter ending," while the majority of later manuscripts include the longer ending. Textual critics generally agree that verses 9-20 were likely not part of Mark's original composition. However, this does not necessarily mean they are "uninspired" or "untrue." The content of the longer ending, including the Great Commission and the promise of accompanying signs, aligns closely with themes and events found in other canonical New Testament books, particularly [Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission") and the book of [Acts](/acts/1 "The Book of Acts"). For centuries, the church has accepted and used this ending as part of the Gospel of Mark, and it is included in most modern Bible translations, often with footnotes indicating the textual variations. Therefore, while its textual history is complex, its theological message is consistent with the broader biblical narrative of the early church's mission and divine empowerment.

**Are "signs following" still expected today, or were they limited to the apostolic age?**

Answer: The question of whether "signs following" (miraculous manifestations like healings, exorcisms, or other supernatural occurrences) are still expected today is a point of ongoing theological discussion. Some traditions (cessationism) believe that such miraculous signs were primarily for the apostolic age, serving to authenticate the apostles and the foundational message of the Gospel before the completion of the New Testament canon. Other traditions (continuationism) believe that God continues to work through miraculous signs and wonders today, as a demonstration of His power and to confirm the preaching of His word. Regardless of one's specific view on the *form* of these signs, the underlying principle of Mark 16:20 remains profoundly relevant: God actively "works with" His people to "confirm the word." This confirmation may manifest in various ways beyond overt miracles, such as transformed lives, deep spiritual conviction, undeniable answers to prayer, or powerful demonstrations of God's presence that validate the truth of the Gospel. The call to preach the Gospel universally and the promise of God's active partnership in that mission are enduring truths for all believers, reminding us that the power of the Gospel is not merely human but divine, as Jesus Himself promised that His followers would do "greater works" than He did because He was going to the Father [John 14:12](/john/14-12 "John 14:12 - Greater Works").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 16:20, though describing the ministry of the disciples, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the ongoing work of the resurrected and ascended Lord Jesus. The "word" they preached was fundamentally about Christ—His life, death, resurrection, and saving power. The "Lord working with [them]" is none other than Jesus Himself, fulfilling His promise to be with His disciples always [Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - Jesus' Promise of Presence") and to empower them through the Holy Spirit [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness"). The "signs following" were not merely random acts of power but divine attestations to Christ's supreme authority, His victory over sin and death, and the truth of His Gospel. Every healing, every deliverance, every supernatural event was a tangible demonstration that Jesus, the Lamb of God [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), was indeed alive, reigning, and actively building His church. Thus, Mark 16:20 points to Christ as the central figure of the Gospel, the source of all power, the one who sends, empowers, and confirms His messengers, ensuring that His redemptive work continues to advance throughout the world until His glorious return [Revelation 22:20](/revelation/22-20 "Revelation 22:20 - Maranatha").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 2:4

And my speech and my preaching [was] not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

1 Corinthians 2:5

That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

Acts 14:3

Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

Acts 8:4

¶ Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

Acts 8:6

And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

Hebrews 2:4

God also bearing [them] witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

Romans 15:19

Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.